Snapping Shoals EMC recently awarded approximately $50,000 in grants to a number of teachers in Rockdale, Newton and Henry counties through the co-op’s Bright Ideas program this fall. The grants are designed to help teachers who wish to extend educational opportunities and activities for students by developing student interests and abilities with innovative teaching ideas. 

Congratulations to the following 10 award-winning projects from Rockdale County, which totaled about $14,565 in grants.

"Science on the Go," Project Challenge, Tanya Hampton

"WeDo Robotics," JH House Elementary, Dr. Orissa DePass

"K'Nex Generation," Shoal Creek Elementary, Krysti Veal

"There's an App for That:  Integration of an iPad in Speech-Language Therapy," Pine Street Elementary, Sandra M. Sirmans

"Fired Up for Learning," Hightower Trail Elementary, Kim Manget

"Bee Studios," Honey Creek Elementary, Samantha Carlisle and Lisa Holbrook

"Reading is History," CJ Hicks Elementary, Wendy Davis

"Discovering the Business Person in You," Salem High, Penny Clark and Elizabeth Mitchell

"Cultivating a Community of Lifelong Readers Through Technology, Choice, and Flexible Learning Opportunities," Rockdale Career Academy, Allisa Hall

"Daily Living Activities Area," Flat Shoals Elementary Special Education Dept.

This year 49 proposals totaling nearly $83,000 in requests were submitted. 

The grants are funded by unclaimed captial credits from revenue margins that are above the operating cost for the non-profit organization. Snapping Shoals EMC routinely refunds these capital credits to its members when its board of directors determines it is appropriate to do so, and unclaimed funds are used to support Snapping Shoals EMC’s various educational programs, as well as other community and economic development projects.